Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1887-08-11
Mechancshwn Frederick County, Maryland Thursday August II, 1884,

and was he proof against the sighs and
modest glances of Carine, the saucy
speeches Of Lydia Vane, and Laurie?
Anyhow he gaye no sign, treating them
all with the same graceful Difference
and while never seeming in a hurry,Ye
always contriving to make bis many
engagements all excuse for slipping
away when his fair friends became too
pressing in their civilities.
Several months had passed away,and
still DR.. Wilfred continued to appear
blandly unconscious that halt.a.dozen
young ladies were hoping he would pro.
pose; and still Sophie Gray curled her
lip and was dlstantly polite to the
handsome doctor, when suddenly an
event occurred that caused the greatest
excitement in Earndell.
Some one had seen DR.. Wilfred walk.
ing his horse down lonely lane and
yelled female was with him clinging to
his arm. At the sound of footsteps
they parted, but not without a long
clasp Of hands and promise to meet
again on the morrow.
The watcher-a meddlesome old
maid-contrived to throw herselfin the
way of the yelled female, and discover.
ed that she was none other than Bessy
Layton
Strange to say no one blamed DR..
Wilfred. but volleys of feminine abuse
were aimed at that wretched girl, that
artful creature, that hypocritlcal, de-
signing little wretch. whose w,ckedness
poor Miss Gray did not suspect.
There were plenty Of good, amiable
women eager to enlighten her. 1t was
only right and proper, or 90 Lady Lau
rie argued. that she should have her
eyes opened to the real nature Of the
viper she had been cherishing, and ey-
cry one agreed with her, feeling in their
hearts, If they did not express it open
ly. that Earndsll would be disgraced if
little nobody dlstanced all its mar
riageable maidens and carried off the
handsome doctor.
Curtly excusing herself to her visi-
tors, she quilted the room. What she
said to Bessy Layton they had not
means of learning; but it leaked out
somehow that Bessy- Layton was pack
ed off to London that same day.
Lady Laurie could not put IN prac-
tice her charitable intention Of calling
on Miss Gray and condoling with her
for the very excellent reason that she
also acquitted Earndell, removing to
Brighton, where she had a house, and
taking her invalid aunt with her.
| She was missed all the more because
DR.. Wilfred accepted an appointment
at one Of our largest hospitals. and &C
tually went away without proposing to
either Of the manageable maidens who
signed fpr him.
The Misses Laurie found Earndell 80
dull that autumn, and were so peevish
in consequence, that at last their moth
er, for peace sake, Joined the Vanes
and Woods'eighs at Worthlng.
During their stay they attendeda a con.
cert at Brighton, and there encountered
Sophie Gray.
Am l ever coming home again p
Oh, yes-why not? There is no place
I like better than Earndell. l never
found it dull / assure you"
I'VE miss you dreadfully, my DEAR"
said her Ialyship; and her daughters
echoed the word "dreadfullyl I'VE
can never forgive the wretched girl
whose treachery robbed lis Of your so
ciety.
Are you speaking of Bessy Lay
ton? She was never treacherous.
You wrong her cruelty, Lady Laurie
"But-but-"
ALLOW me, interrupted Sophie. with
her quiet air of authority. "At the
time of which you speak Bessy had rea-
son to fear that, owing to an accident,
trivial in itself, she was in danger of be.
ing afflicted with the terrible disease
that killed my mother. TO spare me
the pain should have suffered in know.
ing this. she privately consulted DR..
Wilfed Morley. Now you know why
like the coward l am--tied here, un.
able to witness the operation he advis-
ed and assisted in performing. 1t was
successful"
"And Bessy rewards him with her
fair self" sneered Lydia Vane.
"He deserved all her gratitude could
give him." was the reply, "for his
skill was scarcely less greater than his
thoughtful kindness. He and I learn
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